pontificate

Definition of pontificatenext
as in to rant
disapproving to speak or express your opinion about something in a way that shows that you think you are always right We had to listen to her pontificate about the best way to raise children.

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of pontificate This is the mark of a visionary—not waiting for consensus, but creating the future while others pontificate about it. Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 27 Oct. 2025 Rather than the writer pontificating about how Pfleger needs to retire from active priesthood, how about a better use of his time by advocating the notion that pedophile priests should be retired to jail. Chicago Tribune, 5 Sep. 2025 The actor took it as an opportunity to pontificate about the role the dog plays in the movie and to David Corenswet’s titular character. Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 28 July 2025 While others are content to anguish or pontificate over the plight of working San Diegans, Elo-Rivera is tackling the cost of living crisis head-on with his push to pass an ordinance mandating a $25 minimum wage for San Diego’s tourism workers. U T Readers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for pontificate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pontificate
Verb
  • For instance, if an airline customer wants to rant about the Transportation Security Administration screening process, Qualtrics’ tech can have the digital survey explain that airline security is out of its control, and link to the TSA’s feedback page.
    Phil Wahba, Fortune, 28 Dec. 2025
  • In two minutes of ranting and raving about his degenerate son’s twenty-six-thousand-dollar dinner bill, Reiner gave an indelible comedic performance destined to be quoted for years to come.
    Alexandra Schwartz, New Yorker, 17 Dec. 2025
Verb
  • Shoppers especially raved about the cream white, with one describing it as the same shade as vanilla ice cream.
    Nicole Pyles, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Jan. 2026
  • Locals rave about their made-to-order burgers and blue plate dinner specials.
    Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 14 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Pontificate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pontificate. Accessed 22 Jan. 2026.

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